Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Conclusions and recommendations
Australian cities are too car dependent and show few of the necessary ecolog-
ical innovations of sustainability. They lack the necessary government proc-
esses, especially at Federal level, to bring about a transition to sustainability
in cities and they are only just beginning to develop the true participatory
processes needed for cities to grasp a more sustainable future. Set out below
are recommended policies for achieving more sustainable cities in Australia.
•
Reduce car dependence through the development of new 'Transit
City' centres in the suburbs and upgraded sustainable transport
infrastructure. Such concepts are appearing in State-based plans but
have insufficient funding and inadequate public support processes.
•
Fund innovative 'Sustainable Cities' demonstration projects with re-
directed housing and transport funds. This should be led by the
Federal Government in partnership with States and local
government, and with major private sector involvement. These
innovative projects would ideally involve transport infrastructure
integrated with land development and behaviour change programs.
•
Encourage Australian building approval processes that contain
'stretch' sustainability outcomes. Like the NSW BASIX system these
should enable the average house (and commercial building) to use 50
per cent less extrinsically produced energy and 50 per cent less water
as well as other sustainability outcomes to do with waste, site ecology,
transport and affordability. Renovation of the present building stock
should also be included.
•
Provide sustainable city innovation R&D funds. Australian building
and transport innovations that can contribute global solutions
towards sustainability need to be promoted by the Federal
Government in partnership with the private sector.
•
Develop deliberative democracy-based visions and policy for
sustainable cities. Transparent and engaging processes for innovative
planning in our cities and transport systems are essential for
settlements to reach their potential for innovation in sustainability.
Transport and urban design shape the way we live in cities. Australian
city dwellers have unacceptably high ecological footprints. As the majority of
the world now lives in cities it is feasible for urban Australia to make a real
global contribution to sustainability by demonstrating how we can change.
